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Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Police Findings

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.